Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Diaz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After my own experience of looking for a wedding photographer, I realized there was a need in the photography industry of what I personally was looking for. My photographer created beautiful images for us but the experience lacked the personal connection I was looking for, someone who cared for us as people not just clients. I’d been working in retail as a manager while shooting part time and I believe my experience as a manager has helped fuel my current success. It wasn’t until 2015 that I really took the leap to pursue full time wedding photography. It is my goal to provide a personal experience for all of my clients and capture their story as organically as possible. My husband and my faith have helped catapult me forward giving me the confidence to do so and I have no been shooting for six years, three of them being full time.
Over the past three years, there has been a lot of hard work, sweat and education invested in my business. I have also found it incredibly important to make my personal well being a priority. By doing so and finding the healing I’ve needed in my own life. Falling into the comparison game is so dangerous and has been something that I’ve made a conscious effort to avoid. By comparing ourselves to others, it is truly death for our own creativity and can breed an extremely unhealthy mindset. I have also take the time to collaborate with other vendors and solidifying relationships with them by creating work with styled photo shoots. Investing in my own education through creative and technical workshops have also helped in getting me to this point in my business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, there have been a lot of tears and feeling defeated. There is a a battle of self, figuring out where I stand among other creatives and asking myself what can I give to the client that is unique. Some of my struggle has been finding how I can stand out, knowing who I am in this industry and what I can offer, how can my unique brand appeal to the client.
To all the women out there, I would say do not compare yourself to any one else in this journey. Do not compare your beginning to some one else’s middle, when we compare ourselves we loose sight of why we started. Always find a way to celebrate your small beginnings instead of focusing on what everyone else is doing.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Erika Diaz Photography – what should we know?
I specialize in intimate weddings and elopements. What draws my clients to my work is the way I create intimate images that emote feeling unique to each couple I work with. I am most proud of how I’ve provided my clients with a personal experience through the entire process. Forming great relationships with my clients and by doing so, creating intimate portraits for each couple and forming a trusting relationship with each client. I believe that my play with light and shadows and warmer tones sets my work apart.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I feel that the biggest barrier for female leadership right now is the fact that many view any type of woman who is strong and wants to be an influence as an extreme feminist, therefore not taking many of us seriously. So many women who are not taking an extreme stand, and just want to be heard are being stereotyped and unfortunately, shut down. It’s a big barrier that many of us face right now and I hope that by living out the right message of equality we can all be heard.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erikadiazphoto.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikadiazphoto/
Image Credit:
Erika Diaz Photography
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